Flexible furniture with wood panels and related methods

ABSTRACT

A flexible article is provided having a core formed from a plurality of laminar panels that are inter-connected to provide an expandable structure upon movement of the panels away from each other. Opposite ends of the core terminate in a pair of end panels whereby the end panels may be moved apart to expand the expandable structure. Each of the panels are made from wood material. The panels, for example, include two wood sheets with longitudinally oriented grains and a flexible backing sheet that is sandwiched and adhered between the two wood sheets.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.62/886,034 filed on Aug. 13, 2019 and titled “Flexible Furniture WithWood Panels and Related Methods”, the entire contents of which areherein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to articles of flexible furniture thatinclude wood panels.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Furniture is a staple product used in domestic, working and publicenvironments. Furniture may be used to facilitate the use of space, suchas in a seat or table, or lighting, or to divide space, such as in apartition. By way of example, partitions are frequently used tosubdivide spaces, or to create more intimate spaces. Typically suchpartitions are rigid, or have rigid frames, or are formed from rigidinterconnected panels and they are relatively large, heavy, andcumbersome, and therefore difficult to set-up, take down, store, andtransport. Similarly, other items of furniture, such as seatingstructures, tables, and lighting, are typically of a rigid nature, orpermanent shape that, at most, are moveable to alternative locations.

Moreover, the inherent rigidity of such items of furniture limits theextent to which they can be dynamically resized (extended or contracted)and reshaped to suit varying spaces and requirements, or readily movedaround for relocation, or storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an example aspect of the present invention there isprovided an article of flexible furniture comprising a core formed froma plurality of laminar wooden panels of a wooden material and each panelhaving a pair of oppositely directed major faces, delimited by a pair oflongitudinal edges and by a pair of lateral edges. Adjacent faces of thepanels are interconnected along a longitudinal axis to provide aself-supporting cellular structure upon movement of abutting faces awayfrom each other. Opposite ends of the core terminate in a pair of endpanels whereby the end panels may be moved apart to expand the cellularstructure and extend the length of the core. In an example aspect, thewooden panels have longitudinally oriented wood grains that extend alongthe length of the wooden panels. In another example aspect, the woodenpanels are flexible along their width, so that a given wooden panel canbow or flex about a longitudinal axis. In a further example aspect, thewooden panels are translucent.

In an example embodiment, the wooden panels also include a flexiblebacking. In a further example aspect, the flexible backing includes abacking sheet. In a further example aspect, the backing sheet includesfibers that extend in directions that are different than thelongitudinally oriented wood grains.

In another example embodiment, the wooden panels are impregnated with aplasticizer to make the wooden panels pliable.

Additional aspects and alternative embodiments of the flexible articleare provided in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of exampleonly with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a wood panel partition in acollapsed configuration;

FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the wood panel partition in anexpanded configuration;

FIG. 2 is an example embodiment of a wood panel partition that includesa handle at each end panel;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of panels used to form the exampleembodiment of a partition shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top-down view of a partition formed using the panels of FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is an example of a wood panel used in the wood panel partitionshowing the wood grain;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 5,showing a 2-ply construction;

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of an example embodiment of an end panelhaving a first set of magnetic fasteners;

FIG. 7B is an exploded view of an opposite end panel having a second setof magnetic fasteners that are magnetically attracted to the first setof magnetic fasteners;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the end panel shown in FIG. 7Ashowing the arrangement of various components;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a 1-ply construction;

FIG. 10 is a top-down view of a partition formed using a 1-ply woodpanels;

FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of two wooden partitions that arespaced apart and are moved towards each other;

FIG. 11B is a top perspective view showing the two wooden partitionconnected together to form a longer and continuous wood partition;

FIG. 12 is a partial view of a core looking directly at an end panel andthrough a hole defined in the end panel;

FIG. 13 is an example embodiment of a process for forming a woodenflexible article using 2-ply wood sheets;

FIG. 14 is an example embodiment of a process for forming a woodenflexible article using 1-ply wood sheets;

FIG. 15 is cross-sectional view of a wood panel impregnated withplasticizer;

FIG. 16 is a top-down view of a partition formed using wood panels thatare impregnated with plasticizer;

FIG. 17 is an example embodiment of a process for forming a woodenflexible article using wood panels impregnated with plasticizer;

FIG. 18 is another example embodiment of a wood panel partition thatincludes a handle at each end panel;

FIG. 19 is a top-down view of an alternative example embodiment of acellular core formed by wood panels.

FIG. 20 is a top-down view of an alternative example embodiment of acellular core formed by wood panels.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a flexible seat in a retracted stateand including a cellular core formed by wood panels.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the flexible seat shown in FIG. 21, butin an elongated state.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the flexible seat shown in FIG. 21, butin an expanded round state.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of aflexible seat that includes a cellular core formed by wood panels.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a flexible bedthat includes a cellular core formed by wood panels.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a flexibletable that includes a cellular core formed by wood panels.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a flexiblecolumn that includes a cellular core formed by wood panels.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a flexibleenclosure in a partially opened state, and that includes a cellular coreformed by wood panels.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the example embodiment of the flexibleenclosure shown in FIG. 28, and in a closed state.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a flexiblelight that includes a cellular core formed by wood panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated amongthe figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein.However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat the example embodiments described herein may be practiced withoutthese specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not toobscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the descriptionis not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodimentsdescribed herein.

It is herein recognized that making flexible furniture with woodmaterial is difficult since wood is typically a rigid material. Woodmaterial that is too thin will break or snap. Therefore, in the exampleembodiments described herein, flexible furniture is provided that isformed from flexible wood panels. The flexible furniture is made fromcollapsible and expandable core that includes cells, and the core isformed from the flexible wood panels. In an example aspect, the flexiblewood panels are thin to provide flexibility, and the wood panels arecombined with one or more other materials to increase the durability ofthe wood panels while flexing.

In an example aspect, the wood panels are oriented so that the grain ofthe wood is generally parallel to the axis of the cells of thecollapsible and expandable core. For example, if the cells extend alonga vertical direction, then the wood grain is generally orientedvertically too. Similarly, if the cells extend along a horizontaldirection, then the wood grain is generally oriented horizontally too.

Different types of flexible furniture can be made from the flexible woodpanels. Examples include partitions, chairs, display stands, beds,lights, tables, enclosures, columns, ceilings, etc.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a collapsed partition 100 a is shown. The samepartition 100 b in an expanded form is shown in FIG. 1B. The partitionincludes a flexible core 101 that can expand and collapse. At oppositeends of the core 101 are end panels 102. The core is formed from aplurality of wood panels, which form a cellular structure withvertically oriented voids. The top surface 103 of the core 101 and thebottom surface of the core 104 include openings that are opposite endsof the voids that extend vertically therebetween. The side 105 of thepartition includes pleats, which are compressed together when thepartition is collapsed.

In an example aspect, the core is made of many cells, and each cell hasa void that extends along the length of the cell. The cell can beoriented in vertically, horizontally, at an angle, etc.

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed view of an example embodiment partition200, which more clearly shows an example configuration of the woodpanels 207. In this example, a pair of wood panels 207 form one cell.The connected cells form the flexible and expandable core 201 having atop surface 203, a bottom surface 204 and sides 205. The core 201 alsoincludes end panels 202 positioned at opposite ends of the core. Eachend panel 202 includes a hole that is used has a handle to grab andmanipulate the end panels 202, and thus the overall core 201.

It will be appreciated that different types of handles can be usedinstead of a hole (e.g. pull string, pull tab, knob, bar, etc.). It willalso be appreciated that, in other example embodiments, there is nohandle positioned on the end panels. For example, a person grapping theend panel can grab onto the edge of the end panel.

The core 201 is collapsible so that the major faces of adjacent woodpanels 207 lay parallel to one another and in abutment. When the woodpanels are abutting each other, the partition 200 may be stored in aflat, collapsed position. When the partition 200 is required, it can beoriented vertically and the opposite end panels 202 are used tomanipulate the partition. In particular, the end panels 202 are movedaway from one another to expand the core 201 so that the cellularstructure is opened within the core. The partition 200 is afree-standing partition that can be used to partition a space (e.g. aroom) into smaller spaces. For example, the hole 206 in each end panel202 forms a handle and it can be grasped so as to pull the end panelsaway from each other to extend the core 201.

It will be appreciated that although the hole 206 is shown in FIG. 2being an oval shape, other shapes can be used, including and not limitedto irregular shapes. For example, the shape of the hole can be a square,a circle, a triangle, a pentagon, have wavy edges, have rounded corners,etc. In another example embodiment, there are two or more smaller holes,so that each hole is sized large enough for one finger to pass through.In another example embodiment, the position of the hole can vary fromwhat is shown. For example, the position of the hole can be at a fixedheight above the ground even as the height of the partition varies. Inanother example, the hole is offset from the vertical axis of the panel.In another example embodiment, the hole is positioned so that it iscentered on the vertical axis and on the horizontal axis of the panel.The different positions of the hole change where the stress is appliedand distributed across on the end panel as the edge of the hole ispulled on as a handle.

FIG. 3 shows a collection of wood panels 301 a, 301 b, 301 c, 301 d inan exploded view. FIG. 4 shows these wood panels 301 a, 301 b, 301 c,301 d adhered together to form a core.

The wooden panels 301 a, 301 b, 301 c, 301 d have adhesive applied alongthe vertical axis of the panels. For example, the adhesive strips 302 bon the first major face of the panel 301 b attach to the outer sideregions 302 a on the second major face of the panel 301 a. The adhesivestrip 303 c on the first major face of the panel 301 c adheres to themiddle region 303 b on the second major face of the panel 301 b. Theadhesive strips 302 d on the first major face of the panel 301 d adhereto the outer side regions 302 c on the second major face of the panel301 c. The pattern repeats. As seen from the top view in FIG. 4, voids400 are created between the wooden panels as they are pulled apart. Thevoids 400 extend vertically from top to bottom of the core with thewooden panels providing a continuous transverse barrier. The lateralouter ends of each of the wooden panels are connected so as to formvertical pleats on the exterior faces of the core.

In an example embodiment, the adhesive is non-reactive to the wood oranother treatment, or both, applied to the first and the second majorsurfaces of the panels. In an example aspect, the adhesive is pHneutral, having a pH value at 7 or at approximately 7.

In another example embodiment, a different type of attachment is used toconnect the edges of the wooden panels together. Other types ofattachment include, for example, fasteners and tape.

In this example configuration, pairs of wooden panels each form a cellhaving a void. For example, panels 301 a and 301 b form a cell, andpanels 301 c and 301 d form another cell.

It will be appreciated that other cellular configurations can be formedthat differ from what is shown in FIG. 4. Examples of other cellularconfigurations include as a honeycomb-like cellular structure, acellular structure having circular-shaped cells, and a cellularstructure having diamond-shaped cells. It will also be appreciated thatthe spacing and dimensions of the voids, defined by the cells, in theexpandable core can vary.

Turning briefly to FIG. 19, another example embodiment of a cellularconfiguration is shown from a top-down view, which shows three cellsthat form the width of the core. Turning briefly to FIG. 20, anotherexample embodiment of a cellular configuration is shown from a top-downview, which shows multiple cells that form the width of the core. Thecore formed from wooden panels can be used in various flexible articles,including and not limited to partitions, seats, lights, beds, tables,enclosures, stands, columns, etc. The size and shape of the core isadjusted to suit the particular flexible article.

Turning to FIG. 5, an example embodiment of a given wooden panel 500 isshown in isolation. This wooden panel 500, for example, is an instanceof the wooden panels 301 b, 301 c, 301 d. The wooden panel has a majordimension or height h and a width w which may be adjusted to suitparticular environments.

In some example embodiments, the height will be in the order of 1-2metres but could range from 0.5-3 metres when used as a partition, or0.1 metres to 0.5 metres when used as a seat. The width is typically inthe order of 30 centimetres but could range from 10-100 centimetres.

In some cases, depending on the article, the width is even wider and theheight is even taller. For example, a bed may be wider, or a column maybe taller. It is therefore appreciated that the width and height of thewooden panels depends on the flexible article.

In an example aspect, each of the wooden panels have wood grains thatare vertically oriented, so that the wood grain run from the top to thebottom of the wooden panel. This provides flexibility across the widthas the wooden panel flexes or bows when forming the expanded core, asshown in FIG. 4 from the top-down view. The vertically oriented woodgrain also provides structural rigidity along the height of the core. Itwill be appreciated that, in this example, the longitudinal dimension ofthe wooden panels coincides with the vertical dimension of the woodenpanels. As such, the wood grain is also herein referred to belongitudinally oriented.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the wooden panel 500 taken alongthe line A-A, as per FIG. 5. The wooden panel 500 includes two woodsheets W that sandwich therebetween a backing sheet B. Thisconfiguration of the wooden panel is herein referred to as a 2-plywooden panel.

In an example embodiment, the wood sheet W is a sheet of wood. In analternative example embodiment, the wood sheet W is engineered wood. Thewood sheet W is produced so that the grain of the wood generally extendsalong the height of the wood sheet (i.e. the major axis in thisexample).

It will be appreciated that different types of wood or different typesof engineered wood can be used. In an example embodiment, the wood orthe engineered wood comes from a fast-growing tree species; an exampleof such a tree species is Basswood.

In an example aspect, the thickness of the wood sheet is thin enough soas to be translucent. More particularly, the thickness of each woodsheet is very thin so that light can pass through two layers of the woodsheet W and a backing sheet B. In an example aspect, the 2-ply woodenpanel is a few millimeters thick.

The backing sheet B is a flexible material that also helps prevent thewood sheet from cracking or splitting along the length of the height. Inparticular, a wood sheet W is flexed back and forth so that the edgesalong the major axis (i.e. along the height) of the wood sheet comecloser together and then father apart, and this allows for the bowingshown in FIG. 4 from the top down view. This movement can create cracksor splits along the height of the wood sheet, along the wood grain. Inorder to mitigate this issue, the backing sheet B is adhered between thetwo wood sheets W. This backing sheet B is thin and flexible.

In an example embodiment, the backing sheet B is formed at least in partfrom fibers that run in different directions compared to the verticallyoriented wood grain.

In an example embodiment, the backing sheet B is translucent. In thisway, light can pass through the wooden panel 500.

In an example embodiment, the backing sheet B comprises a fleecematerial. For example, the fleece material is made from synthetic nylon.In an alternative example embodiment, the backing sheet B comprisescellulose fibers, or a composite that includes cellulose fibers.

In another example embodiment, the backing sheet B comprises aplant-based nonwoven material.

An example of a plant-based material for the backing sheet B is Lyocell.In another example embodiment, the backing sheet B comprises Viscose,which is also derived from a plant-based material. In another exampleembodiment, the backing sheet B comprises Rayon, which is also derivedfrom a plant-based material.

In another example embodiment, the backing sheet B comprises a plasticmaterial. In another example embodiment, a plastic material is appliedas a liquid to the back of the wood sheet and then cured or hardened. Inanother example embodiment, a plastic material is a plastic sheet thatis adhered to the wood sheet.

In another example embodiment, the backing sheet B comprises a fabricmaterial.

In another example embodiment, the backing sheet B comprises a spongematerial.

In another example embodiment, the backing sheet B comprises a foammaterial.

In another example embodiment, the backing sheet B comprises a metalmaterial.

In another example embodiment, the backing sheet B comprises wires.

In another example embodiment, the backing sheet B comprises a meshmaterial. The mesh can be made from one or more of metal, plastic andnatural fibers.

In the example embodiment in which 2-ply wooden panels are used to formthe core, the wooden partition looks to be uniformly made of wood fromall viewing angles. In particular, even when looking down the interiorof a void 400, the wood grain is still shown and has the same appearanceas the wood grain when looking at the side of the partition. Forexample, a person looking at the partition form different viewing angleswill only see wood material.

It will be appreciated that the 2-ply wooden panels are moredimensionally stable and symmetrical. A 2-ply wooden panel does notcurl. By contrast, a 1-ply wooden panel (see FIG. 9) on its own can havea higher tendency to curl with changes in humidity as the wood sheet Wand the backing sheet B would absorb moisture at different rates, andthe sheets W and B expand and contract at different rates. In anembodiment that uses a 2-ply wooden panel, even though the backing sheetB absorbs moisture at a different rate than the wood sheets W, orexpands and contracts at a different rate than the wood sheets W, thewood sheets W are on both sides of the backing sheet B, providingsymmetry and stability.

The 2-ply wooden panels are also more flexible perpendicular to thegrain than a single wood sheet W of the same thickness. The 2-ply woodenpanels are also more resistant to tears that could form parallel to thegrain, compared to a single wood sheet W of the same thickness. The2-ply wooden panels are also stronger and have more rigidity along theheight of the panel (e.g. parallel to the wood grain). This allows for ataller free-standing partition to be formed with a smaller width, aseach wooden panel has a smaller width w or a taller height h, or both.

In the example embodiment in which the core is formed using translucentwooden panels, then the entire wooden partition is thereforetranslucent. This provides a very pleasing and desirable effect, inwhich light can pass through the wooden partition in a diffused manner.In particular, the wooden partition acts a light diffuser and a lightfilter that allows warm-colored light to pass through (e.g. warm colorssuch as yellow, orange, light brown, beige, etc.). The warm-coloredlight is evenly distributed. Furthermore, the wood grains of the woodenpanels are visible, which is aesthetically pleasing to provide a naturalfeel.

In an example embodiment, a light source (e.g. light bulb(s), lightemitting diode(s), etc.) is placed within the core of the flexiblefurniture article, and the light passes through the translucent woodenpanels.

In an alternative example embodiment, the wooden panels are opaque.

It is herein recognized that existing flexible furniture articles (e.g.walls, partitions, chairs, tables, etc.) are made from paper, cardboard,or textiles. The wood panels described herein have a longer lifespancompared to these materials and have more wear and tear resistance atthe bottom edges, as the bottom of the core rubs against a floor (e.g.when moving the core on the floor, when expanding the core, whencollapsing the core, etc.).

In an alternative embodiment, instead of the core being formed with2-ply wooden panels, the core is formed with 1-ply wooden panels. Thisis discussed in more detail below with respect to FIG. 10.

Turning to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an exploded view of end panels 700 a, 700 b,according to an example embodiment, are shown in isolation. For example,these end panels 700 a and 700 b are used to form the end panels 202 atopposite ends of the core 201, as per FIG. 2.

In FIG. 7A, the end panel 700 a includes a wooden panel 701, magneticfasteners 704 a, holding strips 702, 703, and a covering wooden panel705. The magnetic fasteners 704 a are attached to the inward facing sideof the wooden panel 701 using the holding strips 702, 703. In an exampleembodiment, the holding strips have holes defined therein and themagnetic fasteners sit within the holes of the holding strips. In anexample aspect, the holes in the holding strips have the same shape asthe outer perimeter of the magnetic fasteners. In an example aspect, theholding strips are plastic material, such as but not limited to apolypropylene material.

The covering wooden panel 705, which is narrower and shorter than thewooden panel 701, is positioned over the holding strips 702, 703 and isadhered to the inward facing side of the wooden panel 701. This isbetter shown in FIG. 8, which shows a cross-sectional view showing thesandwiched configuration of the end panel 700 a. The covering woodenpanel 705 helps to hold the magnetic fasteners 704 a and the holdingstrips 702,703 in place. As shown in FIG. 8, the outward facing surface801 of the wooden panel 701 has a smooth uninterrupted surface and doesnot have protrusions. This is aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, thesmooth uninterrupted outward facing surface 801 also facilitatesconnecting multiple partitions together in seriatim to form a longercontinuous partition. This is discussed in more detail with respect toFIGS. 11A and 11B. Continuing with FIG. 8, the magnetic fasteners, theholding strips 702, 703, and the covering wooden panel 705 are allpositioned on the inward facing surface 802 of the wooden panel 701 soas to be out of sight. The covering wooden panel 705 also helps toprovide a continuous wooden finish, so that even when looking down thevoid formed in-part by the end panel 700 a, the inward facing side ofthe end panel 700 a has a wooden finish.

In an example aspect, the wooden panel 701 is a 2-ply wooden panel andthe covering wooden panel 705 is a 1-ply wooden panel. The grains of the1-ply wooden panel are also vertically oriented. It can be appreciatedthat other thicknesses and different ply numbers can be used to form thewooden panel 701 and the covering wooden panel 705.

An example of a 1-ply wooden panel 901 is shown in FIG. 9. It includes awooden sheet W and a backing sheet B that are adhered to each other.

In the example embodiment in which the covering wooden panel 705 is a1-ply wooden panel (e.g. the 1-ply wooden panel 901), the backing sheetB of the 1-ply wooden panel is adhered to the back facing surface 802 ofthe wooden panel 701. The wooden sheet W of the 1-ply wooden panel facesoutwards in the same direction as the back facing surface 802.

Turning back to FIG. 7A, the wooden panel 701 has defined therein a hole707 and the covering wooden panel 705 has defined therein a hole 706.When assembled, the holes 706 and 707 are aligned with each other. Thisforms a hole throughout the end panel 700 a, which can be used as ahandle. The holding strips 702 and 703 are positioned apart from eachother, so that one holding strip 702 is positioned above the hole andthe other holding strip 703 is positioned below the hole.

The end panel 700 b that is positioned at the opposite end of the coreis very similar to the end panel 700 a. However, the magnetic fasteners704 b in the end panel 700 b are configured to be magnetically attractedto the magnetic fasteners 404 a in the end panel 700 a. In particular,the magnetic fasteners 704 b and 704 a are positioned to be aligned witheach other when the two end panels 700 a, 700 b are positioned inabutment with each other.

In an example aspect, the magnetic fasteners 704 b and the magneticfasteners 704 a are magnets and are oriented to have opposite facingmagnetic polarities so that they will be magnetically attracted to eachother. In an alternative example aspect, the magnetic fasteners 704 aare magnets and the magnetic fasteners 704 b are a metal material thatare attracted to the magnets.

The magnetic fasteners shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B are shown in a line.However, in an alternative example embodiment, the magnetic fastenersare arranged in multiple rows. In another alternative exampleembodiment, the magnetic fasteners are arranged in a grid pattern. Itwill be appreciated that the magnetic fasteners can be arranged indifferent ways.

It will be appreciated that the ends panels 700 a and 700 b also bow andflex along its width, similar to the other wooden panels of the core.This provides a uniform appearance.

Furthermore, as will be discussed below, when the end panel 700 aconnects with another end panel 700 b (whether of the same partition orfrom two separate partitions), the holes 707 at each end panel arealigned and are hidden by the bowed surfaces that are in abutment witheach other.

The configuration of the wooden end panels 700 a, 700 b can be similarlyused for end panels in other flexible furniture articles (e.g. seats,benches, stands, tables, beds, lights etc.), although the shape will beused to match the furniture article.

Turning to FIG. 10, another example embodiment of a core is shown thatis formed with 1-ply wooden panels 1001 a, 1001 b, 1001 c, 1001 d. Eachof the 1-ply wooden panels have a wood sheet W that is adhered to abacking sheet B. The wooden panel 1001 a is adhered to the wooden panel1001 b, so that the backing sheets B of each wooden panel are inabutment with each other at the outer edges and the wood sheets W faceaway from each other. The wood sheet W of the wooden panel 1001 b isadhered to the wood sheet W of the wooden panel 1001 c. The backingsheet B of the wooden panel 1001 c is adhered at the edges to thebacking sheet B of the wooden panel 1001 d. In this way, the wood sheetsW face outwards and the backing sheets B are less visible.

In an example aspect of a partition formed with 1-ply wooden panels, itis herein recognized that each 1-ply wooden panel tends to curl becauseof the different moisture absorption rates and expansion rates betweenthe wood sheet W and the backing sheet B. This curling tendency iscountered by orienting the backing sheet B of one panel (e.g. panel 1001a) to face the backing sheet B of another panel (e.g. 1001 b). In thisway, the curling effect of the two panels (e.g. 1001 a and 1001 b)occurs in opposite directions and counteract each other.

In another example aspect, the 1-ply wooden panels are treated with asealant so that they are impervious to moisture, or less likely toabsorb moisture. This would also counteract the curling tendency in the1-ply wooden panels.

Turning to FIG. 11A, a first wooden partition 1101 a and a second woodenpartition 1101 b are initially spaced apart from each other. The endpanel 1102 of the first wooden partition has magnetic fasteners on itsbackside (not shown in this particular figure) and the end panel 1103 onthe second wooden partition has magnetic fasteners on its backside (alsonot shown in this figure). The magnetic fasteners of the first end panel1102 and the magnetic fasteners on the second end panel 1103 aremagnetically attracted to each other.

The first end panel 1102 and the second end panel 1103 are positioned inabutment with each other and are held in place by the magnetic force ofthe magnetic fasteners. As per FIG. 11B, the connected first woodenpartition 1101 a and the second wooden partition 1101 b form a longcontinuous wooden partition. As the end panels 1102 and 1103 look likethe other panels in the wooden partition, the end of the first woodenpartition 1101 a cannot be easily distinguished from the beginning ofthe second wood partition 1101 b when connected together. In particular,the end panels 1102 and 1103 also bow and flex outwards along the widthof the panels, similar to the other panels in the core. Further, as canbe seen in FIG. 11B, the holes in the end panels 1102, 1103 are notvisible and are covered up by the abutting bowed surfaces of the endpanels 1102, 1103. This provides a uniform look as if the resultingassembly was a single long partition. It will be appreciated that thewooden partitions 1101 a and 1101 b can be easily pulled apart from eachother by overcoming the magnetic attractive force.

In an example embodiment, the arrangement shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B ismade from 2-ply wood panels. In an alternative example embodiment, thearrangement shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B is made from 1-ply wood panels.

It will be appreciated that a wooden partition is shown in the figures.However, the same cellular construction comprising wooden panels can beused to form other types of flexible articles. Other examples offlexible articles include chairs, benches, light fixtures, tables, beds,columns, display stands, and enclosures. In other words, the woodenpanels described herein can be used to form expandable and flexiblearticles with cores that have various configurations and shapes.

Turning to FIG. 12, a partial view of the partition 200 is shown whenlooking directly at the end panel 202. It is appreciated that the hole206 defined in the panel allows a person to view the surface of anotherwooden panel 207 which has wood grain on both sides. For example, a2-ply wooden panel has wood grain on both sides. As can be seen, evenwhen a person looks through the hole 206, the person still sees woodgrain. This makes the hole 206 visually discreet.

Turning to FIG. 13, an example process is provided for forming aflexible article using 2-ply wooden panels. At block 1301, a first woodsheet and a second wood sheet are obtained. At block 1202, a flexiblebacking sheet is positions and adhered between the first and the secondwood sheet to form a 2-ply wooden sheet. At block 1303, multiple 2-plyelongate wooden panels are formed with vertically oriented wood grainsfrom the 2-ply wooden sheet. For example, the elongate wooden panels arecut from the wooden sheet so that the grains are vertically orientedalong the height of the wooden panels.

At block 1304, a core of the flexible article is formed by attaching(e.g. by adhering or fastening, or both) adjacent faces of the 2-plywooden panels along a longitudinal axis to provide a self-supportingcellular structure upon movement abutting faces away from each other.

Turning to FIG. 14, an example process is provided for forming aflexible article using 1-ply wooden panels. At block 1401, a wood sheetis obtained. At block 1402, a flexible backing sheet is adhered to thewood sheet to form a 1-ply wooden sheet. At block 1403, multiple 1-plyelongate wooden panels having vertically oriented wood grains are formedfrom the 1-ply wooden sheet. In an example embodiment, the 1-plyelongate wooden panels are cut from the 1-ply wooden sheet.

At block 1404, a core of the flexible article formed by attaching (e.g.by adhering or fastening, or both) adjacent faces of the 1-ply woodenpanels along a longitudinal axis to provide a self-supporting cellularstructure upon movement of abutting faces away from each other. Inparticular, the flexible backing sheets of a pair of adjacent 1-plywooden panels abut each other and are adhered to each other alongvertical strips (e.g. at the edges). The wood-facing surfaces of thesepair of wooden panels face outwards from each other to form a cell.Abutting cells are connected to each other (e.g. by adhesive orfasteners, or both) on the wood-facing surfaces.

Turning to FIG. 15, another example embodiment of a wood panel 1501 isshown. It includes a wood sheet W that is impregnated with a plasticizerP (e.g. P+W). For example, the plasticizer soaked into the wood sheet.FIG. 16 shows another example embodiment of a flexible core is shownthat is formed with 1-ply wooden panels 1601 a, 1601 b, 1601 c, 1601 d.These wooden panels 1601 a, 1601 b, 1601 c, 1601 d are impregnated orinfused with a plasticizer P.

Turning to FIG. 17, an example process is provided for forming aflexible article using 1-ply wooden panels that have been impregnated orinfused with a plasticizer. At block 1701, a flexible wood sheet isobtained. At block 1702, the wood sheet is impregnated with aplasticizer. At block 1703, multiple 1-ply elongate wooden panels havingvertically oriented wood grains are formed from the wooden sheetimpregnated or infused with plasticizer. In an example embodiment, the1-ply elongate wooden panels are cut from the wooden sheet that isimpregnated or infused with polymer.

At block 1704, a core of the flexible article formed attaching (e.g. byadhering or fastening, or both) adjacent faces of the 1-ply woodenpanels along a longitudinal axis to provide a self-supporting cellularstructure upon movement of abutting faces away from each other.

In another example embodiment, a wood sheet W is impregnated with aplasticizer P, and a flexible backing sheet B is added onto a surface ofthe wood sheet. In other words, the construction of the panel is verysimilar to the embodiments shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, except that thewood material W is additionally impregnated with plasticizer P.

FIG. 18 shows another example of a partition made from flexible woodpanels. In an example aspect, the handle 2001 in the end panel 202 ispositioned at the middle height of the panel to help distribute forcesmore evenly. In another example embodiment, at least the bottom corners2002 of the wood panels have a radius. In other words, the corners 2002are rounded. This helps reduce damage to the wood panels.

The flexible core made from flexible wood panels can be used to makevarious furniture articles. Examples of different articles made from theflexible wood panels are shown in FIGS. 21 to 30.

FIG. 21 shows a flexible seat in a compressed or retracted state. Inparticular, the flexible core between the two end panels 2101 iscompressed. The same seat can be extended and flexed into a straightbench as per FIG. 22, or into a rounded seat as per FIG. 23. In therounded configuration in FIG. 23, the two end panels 2101 on oppositeends to the flexible core are positioned to face each other. The cellsof the flexible core of the seat extend vertically. It will beappreciated that the seat can be flexed into a serpentine shape or someother irregular shape. In an example aspect, a handle 2102 (e.g. a hole)is included in the end panel 2101.

FIG. 24 shows another example of a flexible seat that has been extended.The seat includes a seating surface 2401 and a seat back 2402. In anexample embodiment, the seat back 2402 is high to also acts as apartition and provide some privacy. The cells of the flexible core ofthe seat extend vertically. In an example aspect, a handle (e.g. a hole)2404 is included in the end panel 2403.

FIG. 25 shows an example of a flexible bed that has been extended. Ithas a wider base to accommodate at least one person to lie down on. Inan example embodiment, the width (w) of the flexible bed is wider toaccommodate two or more people to lie down on. The cells of the flexiblecore of the seat extend vertically. In an example aspect, a handle 2502(e.g. a hole) is included in the end panel 2501.

FIG. 26 shown an example of table made from a flexible core that hasbeen extended into a round configuration. The openings of the cells ofthe core, for example, can be seen on the top surface of the table. Inthis rounded configuration of the table, the opposite end panels 2601 ofthe flexible core are positioned to face each other.

FIG. 27 shows a column formed from a flexible core of flexible woodenpanels. The cells of the flexible core extend vertically. In an exampleaspect, the column defines therein in a channel 2701 and a light source2702 is positioned in the channel. In this example, the channel 2701 isvertically oriented.

It will be appreciated that the channel can also be cut across the cellsand extends from one end panel to another end panel. In this way, thechannel will take the shape the flexed core. For example, if the core isflexed to be a circle, then the channel is also flexed into a circle.For example, if the core is flexed to a serpentine shape, then thechannel also takes the serpentine shape. A light or some other device orobject can be positioned into the channel.

FIG. 28 shows an enclosure that defines a space for a person. Theenclosure in FIG. 28 is opened and shows two end panels 2801. Theenclosure in FIG. 29 is then closed by positioning the two end panels2801 to face each other. The cells in this example are verticallyoriented.

FIG. 30 shows a flexible light. The core has a channel 3001 that extendsalong the length of the flexible core, for example, from one end panelto another end panel. A light source 3002 is positioned within thechannel 3001. The light source 3002 includes, for example, one or morelight emitting diodes.

Other example embodiments and example aspects are provided below.

In an example embodiment, an article of flexible furniture is providedthat includes a core formed from a plurality of laminar wooden panelsand each panel includes a pair of oppositely directed major faces,delimited by a pair of longitudinal edges and by a pair of lateraledges. Adjacent faces of the panels are interconnected along alongitudinal axis to provide a self-supporting cellular structure uponmovement of abutting faces away from each other. Opposite ends of thecore terminate in a pair of end panels whereby the end panels may bemoved apart to expand the cellular structure and extend the length ofthe core. The core includes cells that include voids extending in adirection. Each of the laminar wooden panels and the end panels includea flexible wood sheet with the grain of the flexible wood sheetgenerally oriented in the same direction as the cells.

In an example aspect, the cells are vertically oriented and the grain ofthe wood sheet is also vertically oriented.

In another example aspect, the wood sheet is impregnated withplasticizer.

In another example aspect, each of the laminar wooden panels furtherincludes a flexible backing sheet that is adhered to said wood sheet.

In another example aspect, each of said cells comprises a pair of thelaminar wooden panels with the flexible backing sheets of the pairoriented to face each other and are adhered to each other.

In another example aspect, each of the laminar wooden panels furtherincludes a flexible backing sheet and another wood sheet, and theflexible backing sheet is adhered between the two wood sheets.

In another example aspect, the flexible backing sheet includes fleece.In another example aspect, the flexible backing sheet includes nylonfibers. In another example aspect, the flexible backing sheet includescellulose fibers. In another example aspect, the flexible backing sheetincludes a nonwoven plant-based textile. In another example aspect, theflexible backing sheet includes Lyocell. In another example aspect, theflexible backing sheet includes Viscose. In another example aspect, theflexible backing sheet includes fibers that extend along one or moredirections that are different from an orientation of the grain. Inanother example aspect, the flexible backing sheet is translucent. Inanother example aspect, the flexible backing sheet is a fabric. Inanother example aspect, the flexible backing sheet includes a mesh. Inanother example aspect, the flexible backing sheet includes a wire. Inanother example aspect, the flexible backing sheet includes a plastic.In another example embodiment, the flexible backing sheet includes afoam. In another example embodiment, the flexible backing sheet includesa sponge.

In another example aspect, each of said laminar wooden panels istranslucent.

In an example embodiment, an article of flexible furniture is providedthat includes a core formed from a plurality of laminar wooden panelsand each panel having a pair of oppositely directed major faces,delimited by a pair of longitudinal edges and by a pair of lateraledges, adjacent faces of said panels being interconnected along alongitudinal axis to provide a self-supporting cellular structure uponmovement of abutting faces away from each other. Opposite ends of thecore terminate in a pair of end panels whereby the end panels may bemoved apart to expand the cellular structure and extend the length ofthe core. Each of the panels and the end panels include two wood sheetsand a flexible backing sheet sandwiched and adhered between the two woodsheets.

In an example aspect, the panels are translucent.

In another example aspect, the flexible backing sheet includes fleece.In another example aspect, the flexible backing sheet includes nylonfibers. In another example aspect, the flexible backing sheet includescellulose fibers. In another example aspect, the flexible backing sheetincludes a nonwoven plant-based textile. In another example aspect, theflexible backing sheet includes Lyocell. In another example aspect, theflexible backing sheet includes Viscose.

In another example aspect, the flexible backing sheet includes fibersthat extend along one or more directions that are different from saidlongitudinally oriented grains.

In another example aspect, the adjacent faces of the panels areinterconnected by a pH neutral adhesive.

In another example aspect, each one of the end panels includes anoutward facing side and an inward facing side, and one or more magneticfasteners are positioned on said inward facing side and are covered by acovering wooden panel.

In another example aspect, each one of the end panels further includes aholding strip that holds the one or more magnetic fasteners, and theholding strip is positioned between said inward facing side and saidcovering wooden panel.

In another example aspect, the covering wooden panel is a 1-ply woodenpanel comprising one wooden sheet adhered to another backing sheet.

In another example aspect, the outward facing side of each one of saidend panels is uninterrupted.

In another example aspect, each one of the end panels has a first holedefined therein and the covering wooden panel has a second hole definedtherein, and the first hole and the second hole are aligned with eachother.

In another example aspect, each one of the end panels is flexible to bowoutwards along its width.

In another example aspect, the wood sheets include longitudinallyoriented grains.

In another example aspect, the article is a free-standing partition.

In another example aspect, the wood sheets are engineered wood.

In another example embodiment, an article of flexible furniture isprovided that includes a core formed from a plurality of laminar woodenpanels and each panel having a pair of oppositely directed major faces,delimited by a pair of longitudinal edges and by a pair of lateraledges, adjacent faces of said panels being interconnected along alongitudinal axis to provide a self-supporting cellular structure uponmovement of abutting faces away from each other. Opposite ends of thecore terminate in a pair of end panels whereby the end panels may bemoved apart to expand said cellular structure and extend the length ofsaid core. Each of the panels and the end panels include a wood sheetand a flexible backing sheet adhered to the wood sheet.

In an example aspect, the core comprises cells, and each cell includes apair of the panels with the flexible backing sheets of the pair beingoriented to face each other and are adhered to each other.

It will be appreciated that the features described herein can becombined in different ways to form various embodiments, whether or notthese combinations have been explicitly described herein.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certainspecific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto. The entiredisclosures of all references recited above are incorporated herein byreference.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of flexible furniture comprising acore formed from a plurality of laminar wooden panels and each panelhaving a pair of oppositely directed major faces, delimited by a pair oflongitudinal edges and by a pair of lateral edges, adjacent faces ofsaid panels being interconnected along a longitudinal axis to provide aself-supporting cellular structure upon movement of abutting faces awayfrom each other, opposite ends of said core terminating in a pair of endpanels whereby said end panels may be moved apart to expand saidcellular structure and extend the length of said core, wherein each ofsaid panels and said end panels comprise two wood sheets and a flexiblebacking sheet sandwiched and adhered between said two wood sheets. 2.The article of claim 1 wherein each of said panels is translucent. 3.The article of claim 1 wherein said flexible backing sheet comprisesfleece.
 4. The article of claim 1 wherein said flexible backing sheetcomprises nylon fibers.
 5. The article of claim 1 wherein said flexiblebacking sheet comprises cellulose fibers.
 6. The article of claim 1wherein said flexible backing sheet comprises a nonwoven plant-basedtextile.
 7. The article of claim 1 wherein said flexible backing sheetcomprises Lyocell.
 8. The article of claim 1 wherein said flexiblebacking sheet comprises Viscose.
 9. The article of claim 1 wherein saidflexible backing sheet comprises fibers that extend along one or moredirections that are different from said longitudinally oriented grains.10. The article of claim 1 wherein said adjacent faces of said panelsbeing interconnected by a pH neutral adhesive.
 11. The article of claim1 wherein each one of said end panels comprises an outward facing sideand an inward facing side, and one or more magnetic fasteners arepositioned on said inward facing side and are covered by a coveringwooden panel.
 12. The article of claim 11 wherein each one of said endpanels further comprises a holding strip that holds the one or moremagnetic fasteners, and said holding strip is positioned between saidinward facing side and said covering wooden panel.
 13. The article ofclaim 11 wherein said covering wooden panel is a 1-ply wooden panelcomprising one wooden sheet adhered to another backing sheet.
 14. Thearticle of claim 11 wherein said outward facing side of each one of saidend panels is uninterrupted.
 15. The article of claim 11 wherein eachone of said end panels has a first hole defined therein and saidcovering wooden panel has a second hole defined therein, and said firsthole and said second hole are aligned with each other.
 16. The articleof claim 1 wherein each one of said end panels is flexible to bowoutwards along its width.
 17. The article of claim 1 wherein saidarticle is a free-standing partition.
 18. The article of claim 1 whereinsaid wood sheets are engineered wood.
 19. An article of flexiblefurniture comprising a core formed from a plurality of laminar woodenpanels and each panel having a pair of oppositely directed major faces,delimited by a pair of longitudinal edges and by a pair of lateraledges, adjacent faces of said panels being interconnected along alongitudinal axis to provide a self-supporting cellular structure uponmovement of abutting faces away from each other, opposite ends of saidcore terminating in a pair of end panels whereby said end panels may bemoved apart to expand said cellular structure and extend the length ofsaid core, wherein said core comprises cells that comprise voidsextending in a direction, and wherein each of said laminar wooden panelsand said end panels comprise a flexible wood sheet with the grain of theflexible wood sheet oriented in the same direction as the cells.
 20. Thearticle of claim 19 wherein the cells are vertically oriented and thegrain of the wood sheet is also vertically oriented.
 21. The article ofclaim 20 wherein each of said laminar wooden panels further comprises aflexible backing sheet that is adhered to said wood sheet.
 22. Thearticle of claim 21 wherein each of said cells comprises a pair of saidlaminar wooden panels with said flexible backing sheets of said pairoriented to face each other and are adhered to each other.
 23. Thearticle of claim 21 wherein said flexible backing sheet comprisesfleece.
 24. The article of claim 21 wherein said flexible backing sheetcomprises nylon fibers.
 25. The article of claim 21 wherein saidflexible backing sheet comprises cellulose fibers.
 26. The article ofclaim 21 wherein said flexible backing sheet comprises a nonwovenplant-based textile.
 27. The article of claim 21 wherein said flexiblebacking sheet comprises fibers that extend along one or more directionsthat are different from an orientation of the grain.
 28. The article ofclaim 21 wherein the flexible backing sheet is translucent.
 29. Thearticle of claim 21 wherein the flexible backing sheet comprises afabric.
 30. The article of claim 21 wherein the flexible backing sheetcomprises a mesh.
 31. The article of claim 21 wherein the flexiblebacking sheet comprises a plastic.
 32. The article of claim 21 whereinthe flexible backing sheet comprises a foam.
 33. The article of claim 21wherein the flexible backing sheet comprises a sponge.
 34. The articleof claim 19 wherein each of said laminar wooden panels is translucent.